The TMZ Podcast

Donald Trump's attorney drawing a parallel between the former president and the legendary Tupac Shakur does not sit well with the late rapper's sister ... who says the comparison is absurd and laughable.

Set Shakur, Tupac's sister, tells TMZ ... "My brother was measured by his integrity, his principles and personal and collective responsibility," calling the recent comments made by Trump's attorney, Alina Habba, "blasphemous."

She points out her brother took responsibility during his 1994 sexual abuse trial, and says she isn't seeing a whole lot of accountability coming from DT.

As we reported, Trump's attorney made the connection on the same day he flew to NYC for his indictment. She said his legal trouble is going to boost his poll numbers, just like Tupac's record sales went up after spending time in prison.

Set says Tupac didn't get popular because of his lockup, though -- instead claiming his popularity grew because those who listened to his music "were able to measure him by his words and actions that aligned."

She goes on to praise her late brother, calling him an honorable man who stood for those needing protection ... always having others on his mind.

Set believes DT's attorney might be invoking Tupac's name as a ploy to play to the rapper's fans ... and she's hoping they don't take the bait.

Donald Trump's lawyer thinks there's a benefit to the former President getting indicted in New York City ... she says it puts him on par with Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G.

Trump's attorney, Alina Habba, drew the comparison on "The Benny Show" podcast, claiming the indictment is going to boost Trump's profile similar to other celebs who went to jail ... like Pac and Biggie.

Personally, Alina says Trump is more like Biggie Smalls than Tupac ... but it sounds like there's an East Coast bias at play.

Anyway, the way Team Trump sees it ... Donald is his own brand and "he is everything" ... so the indictment will only make him more popular.

Trump's attorney believes the Pac and Biggie effect is already happening ... Alina says her boss is way up in the polls and she's calling on other Republican presidential candidates, like Nikki Haley, to drop out of the race now and get behind Trump.

Meanwhile, Trump just left Mar-a-Lago and is on his way to NYC, where he's facing more than 30 counts of business-related fraud ... stemming from his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, allegedly paying porn star Stormy Daniels $130,000 to shut her trap about a supposed affair.

We covered it all in a recent episode of The TMZ Podcast.

LSU hoops star Angel Reese isn't apologizing for taunting Caitlin Clark during the NCAA title game Sunday ... responding by ripping the hypocrites who called her out, but didn't do so for Clark.

The Tigers forward received a ton of backlash after throwing up John Cena's famous "You Can't See Me" hand gesture during LSU's blowout 102-85 win at the American Airlines Center.

FYI, it's the same gesture AP Player of the Year Clark used in the Elite Eight and Final Four.

The difference was the public's reaction ... Clark was praised, while Reese was mostly criticized for failing to show good sportsmanship. But, she's unbothered by the selective outrage.

"All year, I was critiqued about who I was," Reese said during her post-game interview.

"The narrative -- I don’t fit the narrative. I don't fit into the box that y’all want me to be in. 'I’m too hood. I’m too ghetto.' Y’all told me that all year. But, when other people do it, y’all don’t say nothing."

Reese -- who transferred from Maryland to LSU last May -- says this win is for "the girls that look like me," telling them to be "unapologetically you."

"And, that’s what I did it for tonight. It was bigger than me tonight. Twitter is gonna go on a rage every time. And, I’m happy. I feel like I've helped grow women's basketball this year."

Despite the hate Reese is getting, there are a ton of people who've had her back, including LeBron James, who retweeted Emmanuel Acho's comment ripping those who criticized Reese but not Clark.

The Lakers superstar also shared Ryan Clark's message on Twitter, saying, "If you praised Caitlin Clark as competitive, fiery, and passionate for doing the 'You can’t See me' celebration and are criticizing Angel Reese for the same we already know!!"

Shaquille O'Neal also came to the defense of Reese, going at Keith Olbermann, who called Reese a "f***ing idiot."

It was the first-ever NCAA title for the LSU women's hoops team and 4th title for coach Kim Mulkey ... who won three with Baylor before joining the Tigers in 2021.

Congratulations, ladies!!

We covered it all on a recent episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms!

News of his indictment didn't make Donald Trump lose his appetite ... because the 45th President was dining Thursday night at Mar-a-Lago.

Check out this brief video, showing Trump standing inside his famous Palm Beach, Florida, mansion just hours after a grand jury indicted him on criminal charges involving an alleged hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.

Clearly, Trump was in no mood to mingle or chat. He looked all business as he gave a quick wave to his guests before he pivoted and walked off.

We're told the footage was shot around the time Trump had dinner with his wife Melania at their usual table outside. No word on what they ate or discussed.

But, it's probably a good guess Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg came up in conversation. After all, Bragg had just won a criminal indictment against Trump, who will now have to surrender to New York law enforcement Thursday so he can be arraigned on more than 30 charges.

As word of his indictment spread Thursday afternoon, Trump issued a statement, blasting Bragg -- a Democrat -- for bringing the case against him for political reasons. Trump is currently the leading Republican candidate in the 2024 Presidential race.

He said, "This is political persecution and election interference at the highest level in history." He also called Bragg “a disgrace” while insisting he was “a completely innocent person."

Trump is the first-ever American president or former president to be indicted. He stands accused of funneling a $130,000 hush money payment to Daniels through his former lawyer/fixer Michael Cohen in the final days of the 2016 Presidential election. Daniels claimed she had an affair with Trump -- an allegation he has long denied.

Trump has also insisted the payment was made legally without using campaign funds.

Tekashi 6ix9ine should be sleeping a little easier tonight 'cause cops say they have the three men who beat the crap out of him in custody!

A rep for the Palm Beach Sheriff Office tells TMZ ... detectives rounded up Rafael Medina, Jr., Octavious Medina and Anthony Maldonado for assaulting and robbing the New York rapper. The suspects were being booked Thursday evening and processed into county jail.

TMZ broke the story ... three men assaulted the rapper earlier this month while he was in the sauna at an LA Fitness in South Florida. Surveillance video showed them make a beeline for him as soon as they entered the gym.

It's unclear if the suspects have any connection with the gang members Tekashi flipped on in federal court.

Despite the threat of retaliation after he testified, 6ix9ine hardly went into hiding once he finished his abbreviated prison sentence. He returned to making music and trolling his enemies on social media.

Even after the gym attack, he claimed he wouldn't increase his security because he saw the incident as a fluke.

It will be interesting to see if he returns to his regular gym routine now that his alleged attackers are behind bars.

Gwyneth Paltrow's closing argument came with a healthy dose of cringe -- with Gwyneth's lawyer spinning the ski accident as a tragedy that unraveled his client's desire for a vacation that would bond her blended family ... but before that, the Dr. suing her made an outrageous comparison between Gwyneth and Jeffrey Epstein.

Let's start with Dr. Terry Sanderson. He went off the rails Wednesday on the stand when he started a rant that the jury needed to send a message -- presumably to celebrities -- that they must be held accountable for their actions, suggesting the kind of thing he's accusing Gwyneth of leads to people like Jeffrey Epstein molesting children on a private island.

Yes, he said that, and the judge ordered the jury to ignore it.

As for closing arguments, Gwyneth's lawyer made the argument the skiing accident was a gut punch to her blended family, where she, Brad Falchuk and their kids were there for a bonding experience and the collision ruined their efforts.

Deliberations are currently underway. Cannot wait to hear what the jury has to say about this.

Tory Lanez is not going down without a fight ... he has just asked a judge to throw out his conviction for shooting Megan Thee Stallion, claiming, among other things, prosecutors tried to dirty him up with irrelevant evidence.

Tory's lawyer, famed criminal defense attorney Jose Baez, claims in legal docs obtained by TMZ, prosecutors submitted a shirtless photo of Tory with a firearm tattoo on his chest. During trial, prosecutors said it was merely for identification purposes, but Baez is calling BS, saying prosecutors used the photo to underscore to the jury his client had a fondness for weapons.

There are numerous other grounds ... notably Baez says it was a reversible error for prosecutors to threaten to present Tory's rap lyrics to the jury.

And there's this ... Baez says the jury heard an 80-minute interview prosecutors had with Kelsey Harris -- Megan's friend who was in the car the night of the shooting. The audio was devastating to Tory's case, but Kelsey later recanted a lot of what she said in that interview.

Baez also says it was wrong to admit an Instagram post that included a comment from one of Megan's producers, claiming cops had matched bullets from Tory's gun to the fragments in Megan's foot.

Another claim ... it was wrong to allow statements Megan made to cops that Tory said to her immediately after the shooting, "Please don't say anything because I'm on probation."

Tory is facing 22 years in prison for three felony firearms violations. He's scheduled to be sentenced next month.

Kanye West watching an old Jonah Hill movie and saying it made him like Jewish people again does not erase his antisemitism ... not in the eyes of some prominent Jewish orgs.

Watchdog group StopAntisemitism and the American Jewish Committee both tell us they need to see much more than a simple social media post from Kanye to believe he's sincere in his new feelings towards Jewish people ... and they're willing to meet with him to discuss further steps while calling on him to do way more to prove he's a changed man.

Liora Rez, SA's Executive Director, tells TMZ, "Joking about a movie with Jonah Hill is not the apology that the Jewish people deserve from Kanye, particularly when his antisemitic tirades continue to have a dangerous trickle-down effect of hatred against Jews."

Remember ... it was only a few months ago when Kanye professed love for Hitler, and he also hung out with white nationalist Nick Fuentes ... and tweeted about going "death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE." To think a Jonah Hill movie changed his thinking is insulting.

Liora Rez, whose watchdog group named Kanye the "Antisemite of the Year" for 2022, says forgiveness is a major Jewish value and Ye can still be forgiven, starting by publicly denouncing Fuentes.

The AJC isn't rushing to forgive Kanye just yet either, with spokesperson Richard Hirschhaut telling TMZ ... "It is a little odd that all it might take for Kanye to renounce his vile antisemitism is to watch and 11-year-old Jonah hill movie. Whether Kanye is sincere, only he knows."

The AJC says Kanye's still got a lot of explaining and apologizing to do, but they're willing to meet with him in his effort to turn the page, do the right thing, and become better a better person ... if he's being authentic

The Jewish org is also issuing a call to action for Kanye ... telling us they want him "to take a serious and detailed look at his constant doubling down on antisemitism over these past several months and renounce each of these repeated, threatening and vile expressions of antisemitism. Then and only then could we contemplate a fresh conversation."

Gwyneth Paltrow was flying down a Deer Valley ski slope, screaming and so out of control, it sounded like someone who was about to careen into a tree and die ... so says the skier who is suing the actress.

Dr. Terry Sanderson laid it all out Monday, testifying he was skiing down the Utah mountain and coming around a curve when he heard something he's never heard before on the slopes -- a "blood-curdling scream" coming from behind him.

Terry faintly recreates what he heard, telling the jury he never saw it coming, but he sure felt it. He says after hearing the scream there was a boom, and he felt the thunderous impact of fists and poles connecting with his back. He says all he remembers is flying in the air.

Gwyneth wasn't buying it ... shaking her head and looking incredulous as Sanderson testified.

Gwyneth insists Terry got it backward ... she says he's the one that crashed into her. She told her side last week, claiming to have initially thought she was being sexually assaulted when it went down.

Prince Harry has made the trek to England, but not to make peace with his family ... he's there to wage war with a media org, and Elton John is joining him on the front lines.

The Duke of Sussex arrived Monday at London's High Court ... flashing a smile as he went inside to begin legal proceedings in his ongoing lawsuit against Associated Newspapers, which distributes The DailyMail and other UK tabloids.

He wasn't the only one there ... the Rocket Man himself was on hand. Harry and Elton have company ... EJ's husband, David Furnish, actress Sadie Frost, Baroness Doreen Lawrence and Elizabeth Hurley. SF showed face as well on Monday, joining in the lawsuit.

Harry has already taken Associated Newspapers to court with his wife, Meghan Markle, and settled.

This time around ... Harry and the gang claim the publisher violated privacy laws, including allegedly bugging their cars and homes, tapping their phones, paying off cops for inside info, among other damning accusations that they say have crossed the line big time.

Associated Newspapers has denied the allegations ... so now, everyone's gonna make some preliminary arguments in front of a judge to see if this case can move forward.

Harry's already involved in a separate legal case with these folks. In addition to what Meghan sued them over a couple years back, he's sued them again for libel over articles they ran about his security arrangements.

The battle goes on.

Jonathan Majors' lawyer says there's evidence that'll prove he committed no crime against a woman who's alleged he assaulted her -- even claiming she's reversing her own story.

Criminal defense attorney Priya Chaudhry -- who's representing Majors in this matter -- tells TMZ ... "Jonathan Majors is completely innocent and is probably the victim of an altercation with a woman he knows. We are quickly gathering and presenting evidence to the District Attorney with the expectation that all charges will be dropped imminently."

She goes on to cite evidence she says they've already gathered to back up their version of events -- including video footage from within the vehicle where the alleged assault occurred, witness testimony from the driver and others who saw/heard the episode ... and, last but not least, two written statements that Chaudhry claims are from the alleged victim in this case.

Chaudhry insists the statements show her fully recanting her allegations, and she adds this will all be presented to the authorities in due time to prove her client did nothing wrong.

As for why Majors was arrested if all this stuff does, indeed, exist ... she tells us it's SOP in police departments to make an arrest after an allegation is levied and if there's probable cause to back up the claims. In this instance, the NYPD says there were... visible injuries.

Chaudhry finishes with this ... "We expect these charges to be dropped soon. The DA will usually request orders of protection in these matters while they are being resolved." Majors has been charged with misdemeanor assault, aggravated harassment, attempted assault and harassment. He was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court in May.

In response to Majors' attorney's claims about the woman -- whom we've been told is a girlfriend of his -- the Manhattan D.A.'s Office tells TMZ ... the case is ongoing and they won't be commenting further on the details.

What they did say, however, is that a limited court-ordered protection for the alleged victim has been put in place. The D.A. requested a full order of protection ... indicating that they feel the alleged victim needs a bigger forcefield.

Jonathan Majors was arrested in New York City this weekend -- and, according to police, he's being accused of putting hands on a woman ... but Jon's team is calling BS.

Law enforcement sources tell us the actor was booked Saturday morning on charges of strangulation, assault and harassment. We're told cops responded to a call for service around 11 AM ET near the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan.

We're told the alleged victim in this case, a female, relayed to police that Majors had gotten into a dispute with her and proceeded to attack her. Their exact relationship is unknown.

Our sources tell us the alleged victim had visible injuries -- including a laceration behind her ear, redness and marks to her face. She was taken to an area hospital and is in stable condition. As for Majors ... he was cuffed and taken to jail on the spot, as police felt there was enough evidence for probable cause. We're hearing he is currently out of custody.

Majors is a huge celeb these days -- he's been in everything from Marvel's latest 'Ant-Man' movie to Michael B. Jordan's 'Creed III' flick ... and other blockbusters as well over the past couple years. The guy has gotten rave reviews for his performances, and is seen as a rising star. He was even at the Oscars a few weeks ago, and was among the many presenters.

A rep for Majors tells TMZ ... "He's done nothing wrong. We look forward to clearing his name and clearing this up."

Tune into The TMZ Podcast wherever you get your podcasts!

Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss were dragged through the mud at the "Vanderpump Rules" reunion taping Thursday ... and we're told the show got so bad, Andy Cohen had to separate 2 other cast members to prevent an assault and battery.

Sources close to production tell TMZ ... the taping became explosive within 2 minutes, and never let up for the entire 5 hours of shooting. NO ONE sided with Tom and Raquel. Quite the contrary ... they were annihilated by everyone, including Lisa Vanderpump and Andy Cohen.

One source described it this way... "It was like a nuclear bomb went off in the studio."

As for which cast members almost got in the fight ... we know it was not Tom, Raquel or Ariana ... we're told the instigator "is not someone you'd guess."

Andy asked Tom and Raquel how their affair started -- they didn't give a time frame but said they hooked up but didn't immediately dive into a relationship ... there was some period of time before they were all in with each other.

As for Ariana ... it's interesting. She was equally enraged with Tom and Raquel. We're told she did not go over the top, even though she cried at times. One source said the way she was speaking and what she was saying sounded like she's had some serious therapy.

We're told Tom, in particular, was just destroyed ... so much so, they all took a break to calm down, but when they came back it was just as intense.

We covered the Scandoval developments in the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast.

Selena Gomez is finally speaking out amid the fan-fueled drama with Hailey Bieber ... coming to HB's defense and condemning the hate coming her way.

Selena took to IG Friday with a message to her fans ... "Hailey Bieber reached out to me and let me know that she has been receiving death threats and such hateful negativity."

She continued, "This isn't what I stand for. No one should have to experience hate or bullying. I've always advocated for kindness and really want this all to stop.❤️"

What's more ... Selena follows Hailey on IG ... another sign she wants to douse the flames that have erupted on social media.

ICYMI, the rumored beef between Selena and Hailey surfaced after SG posted a video about her eyebrows ... fans took Kylie Jenner's posts with Hailey as a diss against Selena. It takes too long to explain what the alleged dispute was over [in a word, eyebrows] but it was silly.

Fans speculated there was been tension between the two ladies for years, since Hailey got engaged to Justin a couple months after ending his long-term relationship with Selena.

Selena has clearly moved on and wants everyone else to do the same.

We covered it all in the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast.

Originally Published -- 7:01 AM PT

It doesn't appear Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss have lost any feelings for each other despite some serious outside pressure ... sharing a deep convo during the show's reunion.

Check out the pics of Tom and Raquel -- both dressed in black like it's a funeral -- as they sit in the parking lot outside their dressing room trailers for Thursday's taping of the "Vanderpump Rules" reunion show.

Things look serious at times, but happy during others ... all while cameras roll.

Obviously, it's unclear what exactly they're talking about, but the show's special is supposed to get explosive -- as it's the first time Tom, Raquel and his ex, Ariana Madix are all coming face-to-face to talk about Tom's cheating with Raquel.

TMZ broke the story ... show producers also had to navigate the logistics of including Scheana Shay in the reunion as Raquel currently has a restraining order against Shay.

Remember, Raquel claims Scheana attacked her after learning of the cheating situation, dubbed "Scandoval," and the order demands Shay stay 100 yards away from Raquel. We're told Raquel and Scheana will be rotated in and out of the reunion set to avoid each other.

We covered all the latest developments in the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast.

Ariana Madix is giving the sex toy company she recently cut a deal with something to scream about ... because we're told there's been a MASSIVE turnout in sign-ups for her big giveaway collab since she dropped the news.

A spokesperson for the adult-themed shop, Bellesa Boutique, tells TMZ ... in less than 24 hours since the "Vanderpump Rules" star announced her vibrator giveaway, the site's had tens of thousands of sign-ups!!!

We're told Bellesa's already given away 400 free vibrators as part of the collab, and the team's expecting to cross the 1K mark. The giveaway has most people walkin' away with a gift card that ranges from $30 to $75, with only a small number winning the free toy.

We covered the most recent Scandoval developments in the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast.

Twitter's been loving every minute of this perfectly timed collab -- and Bellesa even jumped in on the fun with a hilarious meme about those "wronged by a Tom."

As we reported, Ariana made the giveaway announcement Thursday, saying you "gotta change up your vibe" sometimes -- cleverly referencing her breakup with Tom Sandoval after he cheated on her with Raquel Leviss.